The walk starts in the town of St. Katherine. The Abu Jeefa pass is the only steep section of the first day — about half an hour of climbing on a winding path before the saddle. From the top you see town below for the last time on the trek. The descent leads into Wadi Tubuq, past the first of the walled orchards. The path passes Ein Shkaya, where water drips from the cliff face into a small pool. The mulberry tree of Wadi Tubuq stands on common land, fruit ripening red in June. From Wadi Shaq junction the path turns sharper and steeper for a short stretch, then opens into Wadi Zawatin. Overnight in a Bedouin garden.
From the garden the path runs to the upper end of Wadi Zawatin and into El Ziri — a ruined garden with its spring still working, the irrigation channels still cut into the rock. From El Ziri a wide path supported by a massive stone wall climbs to the saddle of Sharafat el Iskikriya. The wall was built by the Ottoman governor to enable work on his palace. From the saddle the path turns right onto Jebel Abbas Basha. The unfinished palace sits on the summit. The walls are roughly waist-high. The staircase reaches the top of the walls, then stops. From here you see St. Katherine and Mount Sinai together. Descent back to the garden in Wadi Zawatin for the second night.
From Wadi Zawatin the path climbs west over Naqb Zawatin — a short but steep pass. The far side opens into Rehebet Nada, a wide flat area at the head of Wadi Jibal. The walk continues down the length of Wadi Jibal, passing several Bedouin gardens along the way. The wadi ends in the area known as Abu Gasaba, where the path turns toward Farsh Rummana through a steep gully with tricky parts above drops. The gully comes out at Farsh Rummana — a very big open area, many Bedouin gardens, pomegranate trees on the wadi floor. Overnight in one of the gardens.
The morning is unhurried — Farsh Rummana is a place to slow down in. The walk back follows the gully up out of the basin and returns through Wadi Jibal. Overnight in one of the gardens of Wadi Jibal — the same gardens passed through on Day 3, but stopped at this time. The Jebeleya guide arranges the night with the family.
The return follows Wadi Jibal east, then climbs back over the pass to Rehebet Nada and down into Wadi Zawatin. The final descent is through Wadi Tubuq and over the Abu Jeefa pass to Ein Tufaha and the town.
Clean Water: We provide ample bottled mineral water for drinking. Mountain springs are reserved for washing only to keep your stomach safe.
Nature’s Bathroom: We practice Leave No Trace. Privacy is found in nature, and some garden stays feature eco-friendly dry latrines.
Fresh Food: All meals are cooked fresh over the fire—no processed trail rations.
Respectful Distance: Bedouin hospitality is rooted in honor. Your guide is trained to respect your privacy—giving you solitude when you want it, and company when you ask.
Private by Default: Unlike mass tourism, you set the pace. You don't have to worry about strangers or large groups in your camp.
Signal Spots: Mobile reception is available at specific high points. Your guide knows exactly where to check in.
Emergency Link: We maintain direct contact with the tribe in town. In the rare event of an emergency, camel or 4x4 rescue reaches extraction points within 90 mins.
The Network: You aren't alone; local gardeners and herders form a living safety net around you.
Booksinai is a community-led movement with deep roots in the desert. We operate without outside investors or corporate influence. Our entire team comes from the local community, sharing the beauty of their home through honest hospitality.
Your journey creates a lasting impact far beyond the trail. We pledge 25% of all profits to educational initiatives for Bedouin children. These funds support the brightest young minds in our community, providing the tools they need to thrive. By trekking with us, you directly invest in the future of Sinai’s hereditary knowledge.
Skip to content
